DOCSLIB.ORG

Sermon Revelation 15-16

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Sermon Revelation 15-16 Revelation 15-16 12th November, 2017 Rev. Bruce Stanley Revelation 15:1-8; Revelation 16:1-17 “The final battle” Moving home Our family have moved home 9 times. It’s never been what I would call a pleasant experience. The first few times weren’t too bad. 5 or 6 hours. But as our family grew, the moves became bigger. Longer. More painful. The longest so far was 12 hours. The day would BEGIN well. Everything is finally packed. And you’re standing there. Waiting for the truck to arrive. Ready to go, go , go! And it’s an exciting moment when the truck finally pulls into the driveway. But you also know what’s ahead. Hours of pain. Revelation is the story of the final move of humanity. It’s the story of humanity moving home into eternity. We’re waiting for the truck to arrive. And Revelation tells us what the move is going to be like. Things are going to happen. Unpleasant things. Difficult things. Harsh things. But for the followers of Jesus, we have assurance that, no matter what we face, we will be safe and our place in heaven is absolutely secure. We know where we are moving to. But what is ahead is still challenging. And there’s lots of images to reflect on. So the aim today is to look at those images and understand what they mean for us today. The sea and fire So we begin with a vision of God’s people standing on a sea of glass with fire underneath. The sea is calm. Like glass. In other words, God is in control. But there’s a fire underneath – which is a sign of the judgment that is to come. Calm for God’s people. Judgment for the world. A song And the followers of Jesus are singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. One song with two names. It’s a song that bridges the Old Testament and the New Testament. Moses represents the Old Testament people of God. The Lamb represents the New Testament people of God. In other words, ALL the people of God are singing the same song. WHITEBOARDS? Old Testament New Testament Israel The Cross The Church 1 The Exodus Armageddon Angels with plagues Then the angels arrive. They’re carrying 7 bowls filled with the wrath of God. And in chapter 16 they empty the plagues out one by one. And these plagues also take us back to the Old Testament – to the Exodus. God used Moses to lead his people out of slavery in Egypt. He sent plagues on the Egyptians and led his people across the Red Sea into the Promised Land. So… In the Exodus, we have plagues of boils and rivers turning to blood, and a plague of darkness, and the parting of the red sea and destruction of the Egyptians. Back in Revelation chapter 8 we’ve had the 7 trumpets, and there was scorching of one third of the rivers, there was darkness over one third of the land, death for one third of the living creatures. But now, with the 7 plagues, we see a repeat of these images – but it is TOTAL destruction. ALL the sea and ALL the rivers turn to blood. The WHOLE EARTH is scorched. The WHOLE EARTH turns to darkness. The WHOLE Euphrates dries up. What happened before was PARTIAL JUDGEMENT. What happens now is COMPLETE and TOTAL judgement. What this is leading up to is not some big battle, but a TOTAL battle. A FINAL battle. A battle to end ALL battles. The battle And at verse 13, the battle begins. Evil spirits, kings of all nations – so the spiritual and physical world – all come together for battle. But as they do, we hear these words: “Behold, I will come like a thief!” These are words that we’ve heard about Jesus in Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 5, 2 Peter 3 – words that remind us to be ready for Jesus’ return, to be ready for that battle. That the real King, Jesus, is returning. And the battle begins at Armageddon. That’s the name of a place – it comes from the Hebrew “Har Meggido” which was a place well known for large battles. So all of this is pointing to the image of one final battle. But it’s not a battle God’s people have to worry about! Because the seventh plague arrives and a loud voice comes from the throne saying “It is done!” Before the actual battle begins, it’s already won! Like if you were playing chess against a grand master – even before you move your first piece, they’ve already won! Jesus has already won! And there’s lightning, thunder, and the largest earthquake EVER. The great city splits in three. And God gives Babylon the cup filled with his wrath – the name “Babylon” here symbolises ALL of God’s enemy nations. 2 Now let’s think about three things here: 1. VERSE 17: The cry “It is done” –reminds us of the final cry of Jesus on the cross – “It is finished”. It means the same thing – it is complete. It is over. The work is done. 2. VERSE 18: The great earthquake and cities splitting in three remind us of the earthquake that happened when Jesus died on the cross. And, 3. VERSE 19: The cup of wrath that he gives to Babylon also takes us back to when Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, before he was crucified, talks about drinking the cup of the wrath of God to save sinners. This battle of Armageddon is taking us back to the cross. Because THAT is where the battle of Armageddon was actually won! On the cross, through his death and resurrection, Jesus won the battle. That’s where it happened. He defeated death on the cross. He defeated sin on the cross. He defeated Satan on the cross. For all who trust in Jesus, he drank the cup of God’s wrath for them and took away their sin. At the cross. But for those who refuse to repent, they will have to drink God’s wrath themselves. They will fight against Jesus and they will lose in that final battle. EXODUS à CROSS ß ARMAGEDDON So first, in these chapters, we’re taken back to the Exodus. An event 3000 years ago when God set his people free from slavery and lead them into the Promised Land. That event points us forward to the cross – where God set his people free from sin and death and promises a place in heaven, the real Promised Land. Then we’re taken forward to the end of time. The final battle. Armageddon. And the battle against God’s enemies there points us BACK to the cross where the battle over sin and death was already won. Both the Exodus and Armageddon are stories of God defeating his enemies. Both of these events point us in-to the cross, the central event of history. The cross was the event where the real battle, the spiritual battle over sin and death, was actually won. At the cross, we see God’s justice against sin. We see God’s punishment for sin poured out on Jesus. But most importantly, at the cross, we see God’s victory. We see that it is GOD who has fought and won. We trust in him. He has battled for us. He has already won. IN your battle against sin, every day, remember that you trust Jesus. And remember that he has already won for you. But the message here is also that there is still time. He is coming. But Jesus is not here yet. He is coming. And he will come like a thief. But he is not here yet. He is coming. But there is still time. There is time for people to repent. He is coming. But 3 we still have opportunities every day to share the gospel with those who are the enemies of God. If there’s any book that gives us comfort as Christians, it’s Revelation. We have security in our future. But if there’s any book that calls us to make the most of our time, it’s also Revelation. Are we wasting time? When it comes to our ministry and our opportunities as a church, we can’t “get to it next week”. We can’t “wait another month”. We can’t “put it off for a year”. Why put off the gospel work that is needed now? Why do churches having rainy day accounts? Why do Christians have “Just in case” plans? Sometimes we’re being careful, and we call it being sensible. Sometimes though, we are just losing perspective. And forgetting the urgency. I’m keen for our building work here at Eastwood. I really am. Because like many of you, I see the opportunities for ministry that will open up when we have improved facilities. But there are a thousand other things to do, right now. I am excited that God is providing so many opportunities for ministry right now, right here in Eastwood. And to be honest, I don’t want us to put any of those opportunities on the shelf. Even for a day. We are not fighting a battle like any other. We are fighting a battle that’s already been won for us. We are fighting a battle we’re already victorious over. We’re fighting a battle not for our own freedom, not for our own peace, not for our own salvation.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Symbols in the Book of Revelation and Their Literal Meaning According to Other Passages of Scripture
    Symbols in the Book of Revelation and Their Literal Meaning According to Other Passages of Scripture One vital basic rule of bible study is to compare Scripture with In the Footsteps of John: Scripture. Isaiah 28:9-10 “Whom shall He teach knowledge? And whom shall Walking through the Book of Revelation He make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept with John the Revelator upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little”. www.lrhartley.com/john 1 Corinthians 2:13 “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual”. The prophecies of the book of Revelation have only 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and one correct interpretation, and there is only one way to is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in discover it: allow the bible to interpret itself. righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”. Angel Messenger ........................................................................ Daniel 8:16, 9:21; Luke 1:19,26; Hebrews 1:14 Ark of Testimony Ark of covenant; The mercy seat where God dwells ....... Exodus 25:10-22; Psalm 80:1 Babylon Religious apostasy; confusion ......................................... Genesis 10:8-10, 11:6-9: Revelation 18:2,3; 17:1-5 Balaam, Doctrine of Balaam Advancing our own interests, compromise, idolatry ....... Numbers 22:5-25 Beast Kingdom, government, political power ..........................
    [Show full text]
  • The Beast, the Whore, the Bride & the Groom
    The Beast, The Whore, The Bride & The Groom Revelation 12-19 Revelation 12:1-6 The Woman & Dragon Act 2: After the Seventh Trumpet - Setting: Heaven moving to Earth. - The Woman with the Sun, Moon and Crown: Giving Birth (12:2) - The Red Dragon (Satan), with his tail he sweeps a third of the stars down from heaven. He opposes the Woman (12:3-4) - The Child: Identified as Jesus, was caught up to Heaven. The Woman Retreats into the wilderness. (12:5-6) Revelation 12:7-12 The Heavenly War Michael and His Angels declare war on the Dragon Satan is Cast Down with his minions Heaven Rejoices: “Now Salvation the of our Christ has come” Revelation 12:13-17 The Woman & The Dragon Part 2 The Dragon Pursues her and the earth aids the woman. The earth opens its mouth to swallow the water that the Dragon intends to destroy her with. The Dragon then pursues her children, attempting to make war with them. Discussion Question #1 Koester notes that the woman in labor should be understood as the people of God, and notes, “Christian readers might naturally identify her with Mary… By the end of the chapter, however, it becomes clear that the woman is the mother of all believers…” (123) Is this interpretation of the woman valid? Why or why not? Revelation 13: The Beasts ● The Beast from the Sea (13:1-10): 10 Horns and 7 Heads and 10 Diadems. It was worshipped, given authority to conquer and was utterly blasphemous. Everyone worshipped it except those who were found in the Book of Life.
    [Show full text]
  • The Background and Meaning of the Image of the Beast in Rev. 13:14, 15
    Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertations Graduate Research 2016 The Background and Meaning of the Image of the Beast in Rev. 13:14, 15 Rebekah Yi Liu [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations Part of the Biblical Studies Commons Recommended Citation Liu, Rebekah Yi, "The Background and Meaning of the Image of the Beast in Rev. 13:14, 15" (2016). Dissertations. 1602. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/1602 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT THE BACKGROUNDS AND MEANING OF THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST IN REV 13:14, 15 by Rebekah Yi Liu Adviser: Dr. Jon Paulien ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STDUENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: THE BACKGROUNDS AND MEANING OF THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST IN REV 13:14, 15 Name of researcher: Rebekah Yi Liu Name and degree of faculty adviser: Jon Paulien, Ph.D. Date Completed: May 2016 Problem This dissertation investigates the first century Greco-Roman cultural backgrounds and the literary context of the motif of the image of the beast in Rev 13:14, 15, in order to answer the problem of the author’s intended meaning of the image of the beast to his first century Greco-Roman readers. Method There are six steps necessary to accomplish the task of this dissertation.
    [Show full text]
  • Revelation 15 and 16 Is the Next Section of the Book of Revelation That We Will Be Working Our Way Through
    Revelation 15 and 16 is the next section of the book of Revelation that we will be working our way through. 1 The passage begins by speaking of the wrath of God… … and it finishes the same way. This section of Scripture also begins and ends with the word “teleioo” which is translated “completed” in 15:1 and in 16:17 by the phrase, “It is done.” What is it… that is completed, that is done? The wrath of God. God’s wrath is not an intense, emotional flare-up of anger, or an irrational passion that consumes him, so that he acts in an out-of-control way. 2 Leon Morris, in his book ‘The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross,’ writes… DJ, p.284 Revelation 15-16 impresses upon the reader “how serious God is about right and wrong, good and evil.” DJ, p.284 There are three things I need to put before you, things we need to state, to clarify or to remember as we launch into these two chapters. 1. It was Abraham who stated that God is the Judge of the earth, Genesis 18:25. In discussion with the religious leaders who were offended by him because he had healed a man on the Sabbath and called God his Father, Jesus said… John 5:21 – “For just as the Father raises the dead and give them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.” Then Jesus continued and said …. 3 Acts 17:31 confirms what Jesus said… J.I.
    [Show full text]
  • Armageddon, Earth's Final Battle
    Armageddon, Earth’s Final Battle 16 SECRETS UNSEALED PRESENTS: “CRACKING THE GENESIS CODE” Pastor Stephen P. Bohr 2548 Laverne Avenue, Clovis, CA 93611 www.secretsunsealed.org *Unless stated, All quoted verses are taken from the “New King James Version” (NKJV). Revelation 16:12-16 II Chronicles 7:1 Revelation 6:9-11 Revelation 16:15 I Chronicles 21:26 Leviticus 4:7 Genesis 2:15-17 I Kings 18:37, 38 Revelation 13:15 Genesis 2:25 Hebrews 11:4 Revelation 17:6 Psalm 8:5, 6 Genesis 4:5 Revelation 13:16 Psalm 104:1, 2 Genesis 4:5-7 Revelation 3:17, 18 Genesis 3:7 Genesis 4:8 Revelation 16:15 Genesis 3:9, 10 Leviticus 17:14 Revelation 22:11-12 Genesis 3:15 Genesis 4:9, 10 John 16:1-2 Genesis 3:21 Genesis 4:15 Matthew 7:21-26 Genesis 4:1, 2 Revelation 7:14 Genesis 4:3 Revelation 19:7, 8 Genesis 4:4 James 2:17, 22 Leviticus 27:26 Revelation 12:17 Leviticus 4:26 Revelation 14:12 Hebrews 9:22 Revelation 14:6, 7 Leviticus 9:24 Revelation 14:9-11 This page is intentionally left blank 2 15 “Armageddon, Earth’s Final battle” # Lecture 25 In 1991 Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. When the international Community mustered their forces for the Gulf war, Saddam claimed that this would be the “mother of all battles.” In just a few weeks, Saddam was proved wrong as he suffered a devastating defeat. In our present lesson we want to study the real “mother of all battles.” In the book of Revelation it is called the Battle of Armageddon.
    [Show full text]
  • Revelation Chapter 15
    Revelation Chapter 15 Revelation chapter 15 begins the preparation for the last seven vials. The wrath of God began with the seven seals (in chapter 6), and will be finished with the last seven vials. Chapter 15 is an introduction to these last seven and final plagues on mankind. Throughout history God has poured out his wrath in judgment on early sinners. Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden brought the entire human race under judgment. By Noah's days, people had turned so wicked, that God sent the judgment of the flood to destroy the entire world except eight people, Noah, his three sons and their wives. Centuries of disobedience and wickedness by the Jewish people eventually led to their judgment and captivity. First the northern 10-1/2 tribes (in 722 B.C.), by the Assyrian Empire. Then the southern kingdom of Judah (in 586 B.C.), by the Babylonian Empire. Cities named Sodom and Gomorrah was completely destroyed by God with fire and brimstone. Now in Chapters 15 and 16 we see the final outpouring of God's wrath before Christ's return. That wrath is expressed by the effects of the seventh trumpet which was opened in chapter (11:15), which is very short and begins the introduction to those last seven judgments. Revelation 15:1 "And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God." The “wrath of God” began with the seven seals (chapter 6), and will be finished with the “seven last plagues”, which are the seven vials (verse 7).
    [Show full text]
  • Revelation 15-16
    Song of the Redeemed (Rev 15:1-4 NIV) I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues--last, because with them God's wrath is completed. {2} And I saw what looked Revelation 15-16 like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them by God {3} and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and The Seven Last Plagues the song of the Lamb: "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. {4} Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." Becoming Closer Becoming Closer Song of Moses Seven Angels Symbols (Rev 15:5-8 NIV) After this I looked and in heaven the temple, that is, the tabernacle of the Testimony, was opened. {6} Out of the • sea & fire temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues. They • harps were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. {7} Then one of the four living creatures • who are they? gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the Song of Moses wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. {8} And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, • great deeds and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the • just and true seven angels were completed.
    [Show full text]
  • The Seven Last Plagues and Armageddon Beast, and the False Prophet
    Study 17 So here we have the where and whom. The battle will be fought in The battle of Armageddon is a battle for our minds. Satan wants to the whole world. The leaders on one side are the dragon or Satan, the come into our hearts and exalt self. God wants to come into our hearts The Seven Last Plagues and Armageddon beast, and the false prophet. On the other side is God Almighty. All and take selfishness out. The battle of Armageddon is the battle for the the inhabitants of the world will take their stand on one of these two “mount of the congregation.” It is a battle for our allegiance and wor- sides. God is working to “draw all” unto Him through the manifesta- ship. It is a battle for us! tion of His great love (see John 12:32; 6:44). Satan works on the other side, through miracles, deceptions and coersion to gather his army (see In Closing Revelation 16:14; 13:13-14). Beyond the apparent manifestation of misery and destruction which That the nature of the battle is spiritual is evidenced by the fact comes as a result of sin, the seven last plagues hold a valuable message that it involves a false prophet, miracles, and a warning from God to for each one of us. The first plague, which brings sores upon the bodies keep the garments of Christ’s righteousness (see Revelation 16:13-15). of those who receive the mark of the beast, teaches that we can find The issue of the battle is the gospel.
    [Show full text]
  • Revelation's Battle of Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues
    Revelation’s Battle of Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues Revelation’s Seven Last Plagues 1 My topic tonight is “Revelation’s Battle of Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues” The seven last plagues, or what many people think of as the 2 “Apocalypse,” is not a topic that normally makes people feel good. It is terrifying to imagine the world engulfed in natural disasters— Earthquake, 3 Fire 4 …and volcanic eruptions. 5 Will the world be engulfed in the war of Armageddon? Will our TV screens be filled with images of conflict, strife and famine. Will there be — 6 Unprecedented world financial collapse. 7 Or possibly will there be a global international conflict. By contrast, we read the Gospels and see the love of Christ 8 Revelation of Hope 2 English 1 Revelation’s Battle of Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues in ministry and dying for a lost world. It is difficult to harmonize these plagues with the love of God. Could a loving God afflict people with sores and turn rivers into blood? We believe the Bible and specifically The Book of Revelation has answers. That is why our theme for these meetings is: 9 If it’s in the Bible, I believe it. If it disagrees with the Bible, It’s not for me. First, wouldn’t we expect that if these cataclysmic events are coming, that God would give a clear warning first? Wouldn’t God give a last day message before the plagues fall? Revelation the 14th chapter verse 6 and onward says— “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 10 God’s last day message flies to every nation, kindred, tongue and people.
    [Show full text]
  • Revelation's Battle of Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues
    battle occurs: Christ returns in glory, a hailstorm is beyond comprehension. accompanied by His angel armies, and Revelation 16:17-18, 20-21. the wicked are slain. This is Armaged- Psalm 91:4 promises: “He shall cov- STUDY 13 don—an interrupted battle! er you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge.” And Plague Seven: Psalm 91:7-10 gives wonderful assur- Then the seventh plague brings “a ance: “No evil shall befall you, nor shall great earthquake, such a mighty and any plague come near your dwelling.” great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Then Beautiful parallel: every island fled away, and the moun- The Ten Plagues fell upon Egypt just tains were not found.” This earthquake before God’s people were delivered from levels the cities as well as the mountains. that wicked country. Revelation’s Battle of Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues Next comes a “great hail from heaven . The Seven Last Plagues will fall just . each hailstone about the weight of a before God’s people are delivered from by Mark Finley talent.” Since a talent is about fifty-sev- this wicked world—so keep looking hat if you’re comfortably settled lette. Jesus is coming soon, but specific en pounds, the devastation from such up! Win your favorite lounge chair events must take place before He re- to watch TV and the announcement turns. A big part of being ready for His blares across the screen: “We interrupt Coming involves understanding what this broadcast . .” Finally, the world’s God’s Word teaches about what will media are jolted from their narrow pre- occur in the last days.
    [Show full text]
  • The Bowls & the Battle of Armageddon Revelation 14,15,16
    The Bowls & The Battle of Armageddon Revelation 14,15,16 Revelation 14:1 ¶ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. The Lamb and the 144,000 • Chapter 14 gives an overview of what happens in chapters 15-19. • 14:1 picks up the story with the 144,000 Christian Jews. • Four climactic announcements: 1. The proclamation of the everlasting Gospel. 2. The fall of Babylon. 3. The eternal judgment of the lost. 4. The blessedness of the saved 1 Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
    [Show full text]
  • “The Glory of God” Revelation 15:1-8 February 15, 2009 the Rev
    “The Glory of God” Revelation 15:1-8 February 15, 2009 The Rev. Dr. Robert S. Rayburn We have completed the interlude between the sounding of the seven trumpets and the pouring out of the seven bowls of God’s wrath. Chapter 15, the shortest in the book of Revelation, is the introduction to this last of the three series of seven in the central part of Revelation: the seals, the trumpets, and the bowls. Text Comment v.1 15:1 is a superscription or title for the entire following section that continues to the end of chapter 16. To refer to the judgments as plagues reminds us of the plagues of Egypt, there as here, at one and the same time a sign to the world of God’s power in judgment and to God’s people of his mercy and deliverance. [Osborne, 561] As we will see, there are a number of Exodus parallels in the following verses. To refer to them as the last plagues indicates that the bowls will take us up to the Last Judgment (as many have suggested was done as well by the seals and the trumpets). These plagues are anticipations of eternal judgment and have for their purpose not only to punish wickedness but to drive men to repentance. The seven bowls complete God’s warnings to an impenitent world. As we will read in 16:8, at least in general they will not succeed in producing repentance. In chapter 12 both the woman and the dragon were called “signs.” That is, “they point beyond themselves and disclose the…meaning of history.” [Mounts, 285] v.4 As before, when John was about to describe the judgments of the Lord descending upon the earth, he gave us to see the triumphant saints already in heaven.
    [Show full text]